An elderly man has died and another six patients have been hospitalised following a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in an affluent harbourside suburb in Sydney’s east.
Health authorities are scrambling to trace the source of the outbreak in Potts Point, which has hospitalised seven patients since May.
A man aged in his 80s, who became infected in late June, has since died.
Of the six others, aged 45–95, one remains in hospital.
None of the patients are known to each other but may have been exposed to a common source of infection in Potts Point.
Legionella bacteria cause an infection of the lungs, which is a form of pneumonia.
The bacteria are usually found in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, creeks, and hot springs, but can also grow in artificial water systems, such as cooling towers on top of buildings.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is inspecting and testing potentially contaminated water sources in the areas visited by the infected patients.
People who live in or have recently visited Potts Point are urged to be vigilant for symptoms following a deadly Legionaire’s disease outbreak
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria (pictured)
‘The district has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June,’ public health unit director Vicky Sheppeard said.
No Legionella bacteria have been detected so far.
Anyone who lives in or has recently visited Potts Point and has developed symptoms is urged to see their GP or a hospital emergency department.
The illness takes anywhere from two to 10 days to develop, with symptoms including fever, often a severe headache, and chills.
Common symptoms also include a cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, and a loss of appetite.
Building owners are urged to check that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with health regulations.
Unlike many viruses, Legionella bacteria aren’t spread from person to person.
It’s the second deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak to strike Sydney in recent months.
Twelve people became ill earlier this year after visiting the CBD.
A man aged in his 50s with underlying health conditions, who contracted the disease, later died in hospital.
